River Lochy

The River Lochy runs southwest through the Great Glen, linking Loch Lochy to Loch Linnhe at Fort William in the West Highlands. It collects water from the River Arkaig, which drains Loch Arkaig into Loch Lochy, and the River Spean, which joins on its left bank at Gairlochy. The river is crossed by the Victoria or Lochy Bridge where the A830 meets the A82 near Fort William. A second bridge carries the B8004 over the Lochy east of Gairlochy. A combined rail and foot bridge 500 metres downstream carries the West Highland Line and the Great Glen Way. The Lochy’s valley forms a natural corridor used by roads, railways and long-distance trails. The Victoria Bridge, opened in the 19th century, carries heavy traffic between Fort William and the coast. The smaller B8004 bridge serves local farms and the Great Glen Way, a 117-kilometre trail that follows the river and its neighbours. The railway bridge below is part of one of Scotland’s most scenic routes, linking Fort William to Mallaig. Walkers on the Great Glen Way pass through mixed woodland and open moorland beside the river. The water here is fast and clear, fed by Highland burns and lochs upstream. Views open onto the surrounding peaks, including Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. The bridges themselves are simple but sturdy structures, standing where the river narrows before it reaches the tidal waters of Loch Linnhe.